Costco; Stock image of bride and groom.Photo:John Keeble/Getty; Getty
John Keeble/Getty; Getty
With thecost of throwing a weddingcontinuing to soar, many couples are seeking out creative ways to trim the budget for their big day. But when it comes to planning their nuptials, few may have considered turning to the place where they do their weekly grocery shopping.
According to Michelle Winterfield, finance expert and co-founder ofTandem, a money-splitting app for couples, Costco offers significant savings opportunities for brides and grooms on everything from flowers and food to honeymoon travel arrangements.
Here, Winterfield shares some of her top Costco money-saving tips for weddings with PEOPLE.
Your Costco Membership Can Lead to Big Savings on Wedding Essentials
If you are a Costco member, you can save big on a wide variety of wedding essentials, including stationery, floral arrangements, cakes and desserts, beverages, decor items, favors, hors d’oeuvres, jewelry and much more.
“Diamond engagement rings and wedding bands are cheaper there. Big-category items like flowers and your cake can be done through Costco,” Winterfield says.
“If you’re getting married and looking to save money, do not sleep on Costco,” she adds.
The retailer offerstwo levels of membership: Executive at $120 annually and Gold Star at $60 annually.
Stock image of a bride and groom.Getty
Getty
Utilize Costco’s Shutterfly Partnership for Invites and More
As a Costco member, you can sign up for a free Shutterfly account, enter your membership ID and save 51% on all of your wedding paper goods — from invitations, save-the-dates and thank-you notes to signage and menus.
“Literally all the paper products you need,” Winterfield says. “The savings alone should pay for the entire Costco membership for a year.”
Even Non-Members Can Save on Their Wedding at Costco
If you’re not a Costco member, you can still shop for your wedding needs with a store gift card, available in amounts ranging from $25 to $2,000.
“Simply have a member buy you a gift card, which you can pay them for, and then shop at Costco on your own time,” Winterfield suggests. “It’s also a great way to check out the experience and decide if you want to become a member yourself.”
Stock outdoor wedding image.Getty
Save on Your Alcohol Budget
“Even better, if you opt for Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand of liquor, you get affordability plus premium liquor, as Kirkland’s is rumored to be made from brands including Jim Beam and Macallan,” she adds.
Book Your Honeymoon — Yes, Honeymoon — Through Costco
Winterfield points out that Costco has atravel agencythat offers an array of honeymoon packages to destinations including Costa Rica, Fiji, Paris and Italy.
“They bundle flights, accommodations and perks for a wallet-friendly experience, making your dream honeymoon memorable and budget-savvy,” she tells PEOPLE.
source: people.com
